Familiar name confirms surprise interest in FIA president role

Two-time world rally champion Carlos Sainz Senior has confirmed his interest in challenging Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the FIA presidency.

The next FIA presidential election is due to take place in December later this year, with no other candidates officially putting themselves forward for nomination.

Sainz Sr is the father of Williams F1 driver Carlos Sainz, who spent the last four seasons at Ferrari before joining the Grove-based squad.

Reports emerged on Wednesday that the 63-year-old was interested in putting together a presidential campaign.

Speaking to Autosport, Sainz Sr confirmed the rumour: “There are plenty of reasons, but I have been driving for more than 40 years and this sport has given me everything.

“This possibility [of being president] has been in my mind for some time now, not very deeply, but now I think it could be the right time in my career for me to take the step. 

“I’m confident I can do a good job and put together an excellent team to give back to the sport part of what it has given me.

“I have accumulated a lot of experience in this sport throughout the years and I’m certain I can bring new and interesting things, to strengthen and develop the sport and the automobile world.”

Carlos Sainz bid 'not to fight' Ben Sulayem

Ben Sulayem's presidential period has been marred by a series of controversies, including falling out with F1 drivers over a ban on swearing.

He was also publicly criticised by former deputy for sport Robert Reid who stepped down from his position earlier this year, citing an “erosion of principles” within the governing body.

Sainz Sr asserted any potential campaign would not take aim at Ben Sulayem, but rather focus on his passion for motorsport.

“I think obviously lately there has been some controversy, but I want to concentrate on myself. I leave the judgment to others,” he said.

“If I do this [run for president] it will not be to fight anyone, it will be out of passion and love for motorsport, because I believe I can help and improve certain things.

“I believe it is probably the right time for me personally and professionally, and that is why I am considering it.”

Addressing a potential conflict of interest with his son racing in motorsport's most prestigious category, Sainz Sr dismissed it as a non-issue.

“I have my track record and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue,” he said.

 “Obviously, I will have to step down regarding my role with Carlos and his career but this is not an issue at all.

“He's not a child anymore, he has been in F1 for a decade now and we both know that if I go ahead with this project our relationship will change, of course.

“The FIA is a very serious entity and there will be no conflict.”